The efficient transport of refrigerated and frozen goods is vital to keeping this country running, but not everyone understands how refrigerated trucks work. For those considering a refrigerated truck hire or purchase, we have explained how reefer trucks are cleverly designed to regulate temperature and prevent the spoilage of your precious cargo.
How do Refrigerated Trucks Work? The First Step Is to Keep the Heat Out
People often think that refrigerators work by generating cold air to keep their contents cool, but this is not actually the case – you cannot create coldness from nothing. In truth, refrigerators function as self-contained units that are sealed from outside heat and use constant, cyclical processes to keep the temperature inside regulated.
In the case of refrigerated trucks, the cargo compartment is sealed to prevent heat from entering, and a refrigeration system is used to prevent the temperature from dropping when the doors are opened. The cargo compartment is sealed and insulated against heat by way of a sort of polymer form, which allows temperatures to stay fairly stable even before the use of a refrigeration system. If the reefer system is not running, it will take a while before the temperature inside the cargo compartment drops to a problematic level.
The Refrigeration Process – Condenser, Compressor and Evaporator
Three different mechanisms work in unison to keep cargo compartments refrigerated – the condenser, the compressor, and the evaporator. The condenser is a large section of metal piping that works to absorb heat inside the cargo compartment – the piping is filled with technologically advanced cooling fluid that turns to gas once it absorbs enough heat.
At this point the gas is taken into the compressor, where the gaseous matter is significantly compressed and has all its molecules crushed together, to reach a state of matter similar to the contents of a can of deodorant.
Once held in a high-pressure state, the gas is transferred into the evaporator. This mechanism uses air from outside and forces it through the compressed gas, which cools the gas down enough to return to its previous state while jettisoning heat energy back outside. Once this has occurred, the gas is returned to the condenser and the cycle restarts.
This constant process serves to effectively cool down the cargo compartment and works in conjunction with temperature regulation mechanisms to keep the area at the desired temperature. Obviously, this is a basic analysis of some pretty complex functions, but this is, in essence, the whole story when it comes to keeping your cargo compartment cool.
Hire or Buy with Scully RSV
Scully RSV are proud to offer Australia’s premier range of refrigerated trucks for hire or sale. For 30 years we have been a family-owned and operated business, and we are dedicated to providing the best products for the Queensland transport industry. As a full service manufacturer, hire and sales yard, Scully RSV can offer the highest level of convenience and value when it comes to refrigerated trucks. To connect with our friendly team, use our online contact page or call 1800 SCULLY (1800 728559).
Want to find out more about refrigerated vehicles? Check out our previous posts:
5 Considerations for Refrigerated Transport
5 Advantages of Hiring a Refrigerated Truck
Choosing the Right Refrigerated Truck
Managing and Protecting Perishables
